The field of psychotherapy is constantly evolving and expanding to provide a range of different treatment options to assist clients with specific issues. In the last several decades post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD has come to the forefront as a major mental health condition that millions of people around the world are struggling with. While there are several different psychotherapy techniques that can be used to treat PTSD and similar disorders EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is one of the most effective.

The History Of EMDR

We are very happy to be able to provide EMDR in the Harley Street Office for our clients. EMDR is a relatively new technique developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, in 1987. She discovered that, when stressed, if she moved her eyes from side to side on a conscious level the impact or the negative elements of the thoughts decreased and diminished.

Building on her personal experience Dr. Shapiro began carefully controlled studies of her observation using an initial group of 70 volunteers that were all experiencing symptoms of PTSD and similar mental health conditions. This initial group also included victims of trauma, another important group that EMDR is highly effective in treating any time after the traumatic event.

Her studies continued in clinical tests until 1995 when she published a full textbook on the methods she was using to treat patients. Her method, now used around the world, is recognized by the United States Department of Defense as one of the most effective ways in addressing PTSD in American soldiers return from the battlefields.

The Process

EMDR in the Harley Street office uses the methods outlined by Dr. Shapiro and refined by our staff of trained, licensed and highly experienced psychotherapists. Each psychotherapist will discuss treatment options with the client and fully explain the process, answering any and all questions to ensure complete comfort with the therapy.

Unlike some forms of talk therapy, EMDR at the Harley Street office does require the patient to follow the instructions of the psychotherapist through different stages. These stages involve thinking about the negative thoughts, developing positive alternative thoughts, practicing set patterns of eye movement and then rating the change in the negative emotions experienced.

Most patients are very surprised to find that in just one session the thoughts that were so traumatic and problematic have decreased in their negativity. While multiple sessions are required, the decreasing negative impact of previously troubling thoughts is very positive and very powerful in moving forward with treatment. Sessions are typically about fifty minutes in duration but, with the structured format, they seem much shorter for our clients.

As with all our services, while EMDR in Harley Street may be the focus of a specific treatment, we also use a holistic approach in the comprehensive treatment plan. Our staff will coordinate and carefully select psychotherapy techniques that will support the goals of the patient as well as support the development of effective coping mechanisms and behaviours.

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Knowing yourself and understanding the options that you have to create happiness, success, fulfilment and growth within your world and on your own terms is at the heart of virtually all types of personal change.